Brendel Plays Beethoven on Vox

[George]

Since Brendel's Beethoven (especially on Vox) was highly regarded by many, I got his Vox cycle early this year and finally got around to listening to some of it.

Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with what I heard so far. I listened to the first ten sonatas and wasn't impressed with any of them. In fact, only Op.7 and Op. 2/3 were even "good" IMO. I am fairly certain that he's just a poor match for me as the things that I didn't like popped up in each performance. I like that he keeps things very classical in these early works, but it unfortunately results in rather bland playing with very little excitement. He tempos are often too slow for my taste as well, another factor contributing to the above problems. I also don't like his phrasing as well. The muddy, muffled recorded doesn't help him very much either. 

So now what I am wondering is "does he fare better in the second 1/3 of these works? I certainly hope so, as at the moment I am not feeling eager to hear more, but I am open to suggestions in case there's something I am missing here.     

[Todd]

I'm currently working my way through Brendel's Vox cycle and his second Philips (digital) cycle.  The short-comings you mention are more pronounced in the digital cycle. 

I used to think that the Vox cycle was Brendel's best effort, and in some sonatas it is, but now, after having heard most of the first and third, and all of the second, I'd say his second cycle is probably my favorite.  It just clicks best for me, though there are weaknesses.  I do have to disagree a bit about the Vox recordings; Brendel is mostly at his most impetuous (keeping in mind it's Brendel) in the earlier recordings.  And yes, he does do a bit better in some of the later works.  Sound in the Vox cycle does annoy after a while, though.

[BorisG]

You are correct, George. Another Vox myth includes much of the Klien Mozart.

[Todd]

Another Vox myth includes much of the Klien Mozart.

Except that's not a myth.

[George]

I'm currently working my way through Brendel's Vox cycle and his second Philips (digital) cycle.  The short-comings you mention are more pronounced in the digital cycle. 

Yes, I have one disc from that set and it was enough to scare me away.

I used to think that the Vox cycle was Brendel's best effort, and in some sonatas it is, but now, after having heard most of the first and third, and all of the second, I'd say his second cycle is probably my favorite.  It just clicks best for me, though there are weaknesses.

That's the closest I can describe my issues with the Vox, it almost never clicks. I think his style, phrasing and tempo selection all rub me the wrong way.

I do have to disagree a bit about the Vox recordings; Brendel is mostly at his most impetuous (keeping in mind it's Brendel) in the earlier recordings.  And yes, he does do a bit better in some of the later works.  Sound in the Vox cycle does annoy after a while, though.

I agree that he tries to get something started, but IMO fails to really generate any excitement. And yes, the sound, especially for early 60's, is poor. I've hear things from the 40's that sound better. 

[George]

You are correct, George. Another Vox myth includes much of the Klien Mozart.

I actually love his Mozart. Different strokes I guess. 

[Bogey]

I actually love his Mozart. Different strokes I guess. 

As do I. 

[Valentino]

A month ago or so I thoroughly enjoyed Brendel's Vox take on op. 31/2 (Moonlight), crappy sound nonwithstanding. I also very much enjoy the four or five digital disks I own.

Brendel's Beethoven works for me I guess.